Jewelbox on the Beach!

Guest: Sue and Will1 (East Bay)
Date of Stay: 11/21/11 Review Submitted: 12/04/11

This cottage looks very ordinary from the outside but what a surprise on the inside. It is so charmingly decorated that we were calling it our "Petit Versailles" by the time we left. Everyone who visited us oohed and aahed upon entering yet it was cozy and comfortable to relax and unwind after riding bikes on the beach or kayaking on the bay. The kitchen is tiny but adequate for simple meals. Great location with views of the Queen Mary and Catalina. We had great weather even for late November and some stunning sunsets. Our hosts were friendly and helpful and open to chatting on the boardwalk and meeting our family and friends. Parking is easy once you realize that there is always a spot within walking distance if you look on the nearby streets. It's completely safe even at night, we had no problem whatsoever.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.

Laid-back, Comfortable, Relaxing

Guest: rickeyk8ts (Missouri)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11 Review Submitted: 06/08/11

We loved this place!!! The front gate is just steps to the beach. If it is an especially windy day, you can just walk down the same street to another stretch of the beach for a less windy place to relax. On the days we weren't relaxing, we were exploring LB by walking about 15 minutes to a shopping/restaurant/bar/self-serve frozen yogurt (just one of the shops, but we love self-serve frozen yogurt) district, strolling along Shoreline Village (a more tourist-y place with scenic views and charming architecture...and yummy restaurants), or taking a day trip to explore Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Hollywood. We stopped at the Farmers' Market/Grove in LA, but the other cities were unnecessary because they strayed away from our "laid-back/relaxing" theme. This trip was a romantic getaway for us. We will definitely be back for another, and I will also be bringing my sister and mom for a girls' trip (on a separate occasion, of course). I might even come back by myself with just my dog. Lots of dogs in LB, which was OK with me! The only issue was parking, but that is not exclusive to this cottage - parking was an issue everywhere in CA - but it may only have been extra bad for us during the holiday weekend. Make sure the person driving is a master at parallel parking. We rented a car, which I dubbed "a boat", so we had a few challenges finding parking. As long as you remain patient, it won't ruin the trip. Be sure to leave at least one window in the cottage open at night so you can hear the ocean waves! Also make sure to cook at least 1 meal or bring home at least one to-go meal and eat it at the dining room table during sunset so you can see the pretty sky and hear the ocean waves!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.

Charming cozy cottage by the sea

Guest: Suzy (Medford, NJ)
Date of Stay: 04/10/11 Review Submitted: 05/05/11

My husband and I enjoyed our week at this cottage on the private, lovely peninsula in Long Beach. We loved the location- steps from the beach or a block from the bay which was perfect for sunbathing and watching boats and kayakers pass. Both had clean, quiet beaches. We enjoyed our short (15min.) walk to second street filled with a huge variety of wonderful shops and restaurants. The home was roomier than it seems in the pictures and the amenities were exceptional. The decor was amazing- very classy shabby chic and artistic- fabulous stained glass window and painted beams. It is perfect for 2-3 people. The parking was at times a challenge but there was always something within several short blocks and we loved the walk. Just know that ahead and take it in stride. Everything listed is correct. We had my daughter nearby and used her washer and dryer but a laundromat is close if needed. Food markets are within 5 minutes. We enjoyed Long Beach attractions like the canals in Naples and the Queen Mary. Head south to Seal, Huntington Beaches and north to Hermosa, Manhatten, Santa Monica and Malibu Beaches- all within 10-50 minutes. We explored Pasadena with its outstanding Huntington Gardens and Museum and visited the Getty Museum in LA and The Getty Villa by Malibu- both incredible. Great restaurants in Long Beach- The Potholder for breakfast, La Creperie, Lashers. We found the owner helpful and available if needed and we truly relaxed at this seasiode home. Newport and Laguna Beaches- all within 10-40 minutes.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.

Beach Cottage

Guest: Beth (Spring Lake, Mi.)
Date of Stay: 03/14/11 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

We have visited this beach cottage for 2 years now, and hope to return again. For us, it is the perfect place- beautifully decorated, a well-appointed kitchen,and a view of the ocean from the dining table. The location is very convenient to the board walk, and an easy drive to shopping. The owner was most helpful is facilitating our stay.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.

Guest: Guest: RLouise (Norwalk, Ohio) (-)
Date of Stay: 04/28/10 Review Submitted: 03/13/11

This Guest stayed in both our Beach Front Cottage and our guest house (Romantic Beach Cottage) Guest: RLouise (Norwalk, Ohio) Date of Stay: April 28, 2010 Review Submitted: May 4, 2010 I have always stayed in the Belmont Shore area but couldn't find a 4 bedroom house so I took a chance on this house located on the Peninsula. I liked the location and would definitely rent there again. The area is quite and an easy 20 minute walk to Belmont Shore. The house is very roomy and has a great deal of charm. We also rented the bedroom cottage behind the house and found both places to be very comfortable. The pictures are accurate and the view of the water from the house, beautiful. The owner and rental manager were very helpful and quickly returned phone calls. The only amenity missing is a washer and dryer. I would definitely recommend this house and location as a rental. Recommended for: Age 55+, Girls getaway, Families with teenagers, Families with young children, Romantic getaway

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Beach Cottage

Guest: JRM (Fort Thomas, KY)
Date of Stay: 09/25/10 Review Submitted: 10/16/10

Nicely decorated Victorian "cottage". Open living space, very clean, and comfortable bed. Not as well appointed as expected, but adequate (only mini coffee maker, no starter supply of essentials such as bath soap, etc.). Lack of off street parking is an issue in this area -- be prepared to park blocks away from rental. Infestation of silverfish both inside and outside the rental is a huge problem -- professional extermination is desperately needed. Could be charming once exterminated.

Owner response:I'm so sorry you had a problem with silver fish - we will take care of that immediately! We have had numerous guests stay with us, even extend their stay with us, buy us "thank you" gifts, and return and stay with us again, and have never, ever, once been told there was any bug problem of ANY kind. Not from any guests who stayed before you or after you. I think the word "infestation" might be a little strong. You are the first and only person who even mentioned any problem, whatsoever, so we weren't aware of the problem. I wish you would have called so we could resolve the problem you were experiencing, rather than voice your dissatisfaction without giving us the opportunity to fix it! It will be investigated and resolved IMMEDIATELY!!! We do not ignore our guests or their comments. We strive to correct any problems you might have. Though we have never experienced the difficulty parking as you are describing, I suppose it depends on what it going on in the area. Though this is a residential neighborhood, beach parking can sometimes be a challenge, especially when nice weather drives more persons to enjoy a day at the beach. I'm sorry you had such a difficult time. We stay in our property, often, and I think that I only parked 2 blocks (and they are short blocks) away, one time. We do identify street parking only in our ad. Again, I apologize that you were dissatisfied with the arrangements. There is softsoap in the bathroom on the bathtub ledge, and also in the kitchen. though a bar of soap might be prefereable, you could use the provided soft soap "in a pinch". We do not provide starter "essentials" that you would get in a hotel, however, they are readily available and can be provided. We are only a phone call away, and disappointed that you didn't call so we could provide you with any toiletries you might have forgotton to bring with you. We take all our guests comments seriously and correct any problems to make our guests stay enjoyable. Though we have received numerous praises and return guests, you are the first complaint that we have ever received, and do appreciate the feedback. We strive to make everyone's stay with us pleasureable.

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